







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Okay, it seems they have no aggression towards each other. | |
| Yes, it's in Piccadilly Circus right in the centre. | |
| I guess he wants to drink some water. | |
| How is your mum, does she have any health problems? | |
| I think we need to put some of your clothes away. | |
| Thank you, dear... For helping me to be a liar! | |
| How much rice do you need? | |
| Yes, it was quite easy, actually, I live very close by. | |
| Yeah, I think this wardrobe is too small for two people. | |
| By the way, the deposit is £3,000 and non-negotiable... | |
| But their room is almost double the size of our room! | |
| Your perfectly shaped mushrooms are ready! | |
| Oh god, I feel too tired now. | |
| Also, I think we all need to leave soon. | |
| I hope it’s not serious. | |
| The ones at the bottom look fresher. | |
| Don't you think it's too far away from the tube station? | |
| Can I get you some more drinks? | |
| Yes sir, you can have a seat at this table. | |
| Yes, it might be, but I'm very busy with some projects these days. | |